“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  -James 1:17

Just last week my manager took me out to lunch and I thanked him. Then he responded by saying, “Thank our employer.”  He said that before every meal he gives thanks to our employer?! 

The first thing that came to my mind was that our “employer” was just the middle man that God used to provide for my needs. How many times do we look at those things we want, and those things we have, and consider the “middle man” as opposed to the Source, our Father of Lights?

When we find ourselves in need or in want, we plan and plot as to how to get it rather than looking to Him who provides. We should have proper perspective and see through the “middle man” and understand ours is not the position to get, but to graciously receive His good and perfect gift. Psalms 100:4 says “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” 

This world is filled with “middle men” who thrive on the praise of provision when, in reality, they are really just conduits that God uses to provide for His sheep.

He is our true Jehovah Jireh who will provide, He is our Source of all things, and He is our Father of Lights where every good and perfect gift comes from.

-Brian Lee

This week was one of those weeks.  You know, one of those times where you wonder if you are going to make it through.  When you find yourself saying, "What else could go wrong?".  We all have those times and it is tempting to start questioning where the Lord is in the midst of these difficult times.  Well, I can tell you where He is…on the throne and in charge.  Everything we go through in life has a purpose, and nothing that happens in our lives has not first passed through the sovereign hand of God.  There are plenty of verses in the Bible to turn to but here are just a few:

1. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  God is working in all of your circumstances and He has a plan for ultimate good.  We need to love Him and trust Him.
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understandings; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”  We need to trust God and acknowledge His sovereignty.  It is not enough to love Him, we have to know His nature and trust that He is working through all circumstances for our good.  He knows what we need.
3. Thessalonians 5:18 “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  In everything, good and bad, we need to give thanks.  Having a thankful heart changes our outlook and helps us gain a more heavenly and long-term perspective.  This trial is for but a moment.
4. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  In the midst of the trial remember that God is right there with you.  We often think God is not paying attention but He is.  He is there waiting for us to call upon Him for strength and guidance.
5. Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  It never hurts to develop a long-term perspective.  We need to remember that this life is but a vapor, and we will be with the Lord for eternity.  He is refining us  and conforming us into the image of His Son.
6. Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  God knows what is good for us and will supply all that we need…not necessarily all we want, but all that we need.
7.  Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”  There will be joy on the other side of this trial.     

When you go through trials, and we all do, remember that God loves you and has a plan for your life.  We are moving from glory to glory in the process of becoming more like Jesus.  Trust Him!

John Ohanian